Code of Conduct

Platte River Academy’s Code of Conduct is based on the premise that all students are capable of behaving appropriately in the school setting.  Each student has the right to the school environment as a means for self-improvement and individual growth.  It is, therefore, expected that he or she will conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the school’s function as an educational facility.  Conduct that disrupts the operation of the school, interferes with the rights of others, or damages school or personal property will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action. 

Platte River Academy upholds the standards set forth in the Douglas County School District Student Codes of Conduct and Discipline. In addition, students and parents are expected to adhere to Platte River Academy’s Academic and Behavioral Commitment.

The staff and governing board of Platte River Academy are committed to ensuring that every student is treated fairly and respectfully regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex or disability.  Additionally, all staff members, governing board members and parents will be expected to act as role models of good behavior by being courteous, using polite language, showing sensitivity to others, exercising self-discipline and following school and district rules. 

Minor Infractions (may include but not limited to):

• Disruptive talking during instruction

• Loud talking or yelling in the classroom or other areas in the school building

• Abusing school or other students’ property

• Disobeying classroom, hallway or playground rule

• Showing disrespect

• Littering in the building or on the playground

• Violating the PRA dress code (refer to the Parent/Student Handbook)

• Persistently off-task

• Cheating (Primary grades only)

• Three (3) minor infractions equals one (1) major infraction

Discipline for Minor Infractions (may include but not limited to):

•  Time out

• Missed recess

• Relinquished privileges

• Verbal or written apologies

• School Community Service (pick up trash, wash walls, etc.)

• Dress Code Violation Form

Major Infractions (may include but not limited to):

• Hitting or kicking

• Harassment (Teasing or taunting other students)

• Physically assaulting a student or staff member (hitting, pushing, shoving,kicking, biting)

• Destroying school property/vandalism (students and parents will be responsible for fixing or replacing property)

• Leaving school premises without permission

• Deliberate verbal defiance toward a person of authority

• Disrupting the learning environment on a regular basis

• Harassing others, verbally or physically

• Using foul or profane language

• Possessing drugs or alcohol

• Possessing a dangerous weapon, matches or cigarette lighter

• Bringing laser pointers to school

• Cheating on tests

• Stealing

• Receiving five (5) or more dress code violation notices per school year

• Failure to comply with the immunization requirements of Colorado, except that any suspension or expulsion for such failure to comply shall not be recorded as a disciplinary action, but rather, shall be recorded with the student’s immunization records with the appropriate explanation

Discipline for Major Infractions (may include but not limited to):  

Parents are contacted immediately and a conference may be arranged with the dean.  The follow-up actions discussed at the conference may include:

• Detention

• In-house suspension

• Regular suspension (1-5 days) at the dean’s discretion

• Expulsion/mandatory expulsion

• Each quarter the student will start with a “clean slate” with the teaching staff.  Records in the dean’s office will remain cumulative.

Explanation of Terms

• Detention:  This will be an appropriate form of discipline to be determined by the staff member or by the dean.  Detention can occur either during or after school hours.
  
  

• In-house suspension:  In-house suspension may require a parent to attend class with the student, or the student may be removed from the classroom and supervised elsewhere in the building.
  
  

• Suspension:  Suspension means the student is not allowed to attend class or any school activities for a specified period of time at the dean’s discretion.  Class work must be completed by the student before he or she is readmitted.
  
  

• Expulsion:  After three (3) suspensions, the student may be eligible for permanent expulsion from Platte River Academy.  District Policies JKD/JKE-R will be followed.
  
  

• Mandatory Expulsion:  Striking a teacher or staff member, using or possessing any controlled substance on the school grounds, including alcohol, tobacco, firearms, knives, firecrackers, or pornographic materials, participating in vandalism or extensive destruction of school property or a major theft of objects valued over $100 may be a cause for mandatory expulsion, at the dean’s discretion.  District policies JKD/JKE-R & JFD will be followed.
  
  

• Special Education:  District policies JKC & JKC-R will be followed for students with disabilities and/or Individualized Education Plans (IEP).

Expectations for behavior will be clearly outlined to all students.  Each teaching/learning/recreational location will have specific expectations which facilitate a positive climate for all, and one that maximizes learning.

Students will be supervised when moving from class to class and at all other times.  Lunch time and recess will be well supervised.  Students will be supervised by a staff member, with volunteers assisting the staff member when needed.

Procedure for Disciplining

Any staff member who witnesses inappropriate behavior has the obligation and responsibility to impose the appropriate discipline.  If possible, the student will be taken to his/her teacher for discipline.  If not, the student will be corrected by the person in most direct authority who is available.  Any parent volunteer witnessing infractions will take the student to the nearest staff member for discipline.

When a student is not demonstrating expected behaviors, the following levels will apply.  These steps may not be followed exactly as listed; however, all efforts will be made to be consistent.

Level 1  The student will be given a warning and advised in by the staff member that his/her behavior does not meet expectations.  The staff member will assess the intentions of the student and how well the student understands what is expected.  

Level 2  The student is given a cool down.  The student is placed in a different activity or new physical place in the classroom or in a team teacher’s classroom.  The student is advised once again and reassessed to ensure that he/she understands what is expected

Level 3  The student is given a behavior notice.  The teacher will review the notice with the student.  The teacher will make a phone call to the parent(s).  The sheet will be sent home for the parent(s) to sign, and needs to be returned the next day.  Work missed in the classroom will be homework for the student. 

Level 4  The student will have a team conference with the teachers.  A behavior plan will be created which the student will be expected to follow.  A copy of the behavior plan will be sent home for the parent(s) to sign and then return to school.

Level 5  If the student is uncooperative or fails to follow the behavior plan, the student will be sent to the dean with a copy of the behavior notice and behavior plan.  Parents will be notified.

An exception will be made if the student demonstrates extreme disruptive behavior, such as profanity or violence toward a student or staff member.  In this case, the student will be sent directly to an administrator.  Suspension or expulsion can result.